PM says no to withdrawing amendment bill

Pokhara, Dec 16: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said the constitution amendment bill would not be withdrawn.

Speaking at a press meet organised by the Press Centre Kaski here today, the PM ruled out the possibility of the withdrawal of the proposal, but hinted the possibility of its revision.

The government had spent around four months to introduce the constitution amendment proposal to the House and there were much discussions with the oppositions, Madhesi Front and the Federal Alliance before it.

"The bill incorporates no such provision that hurts the sentiments of the Nepali people as against the rumour that it will pave the way for allowing the naturalised citizen for the appointment to the presidential post, recognising the Hindi language as the language of nation," PM Prachanda clarified.

The proposal regarding the fresh demarcation of provinces was floated by the erstwhile government led by the incumbent main opposition and the same party protesting the proposal was meaningless.

He went on to say that efforts were underway to have a package deal on the amendment proposal and election programmes by bringing the oppositions on board. The local poll will be held before the provincial and central elections.

The PM added that major political parties were yet to reach to a conclusion regarding the matter of holding the local poll by transforming the existing local bodies to local units.

"Holding of the elections of all three tiers within the scheduled time seems possible and the government and the major political parties are also in favour of the election," the PM stated.

Stating that obstruction of the House would not help find a solution to problems, he called on the CPN (UML) let the House resume its business. Prolonging of protest would just provide an opportunity to anti-change forces to spread their tentacles.

According to the PM, there is no chance of reversal of federalism and changes brought by democratic movements in the country and it will be just futile to reverse such changes. Press Centre Kaski chair Bibhu Bhusal presided over the programme.